Break It Down: F-A-L-C-O-N Steps
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F ocus your topic
1. Select a topic that interests you.
2. Pre-research to learn background information & to find possible subtopics, main ideas, & key terms.
3. Brainstorm your Research Question.
4. Write your Thesis Statement.
5. Begin a working Outline that shows a logical progression of related ideas.

A ccess, evaluate, & select sources
6. Select your Sources from a variety of places.
7. Use Search Techniques to find information in books, databases, & websites.
8. Evaluate sources to make sure they are reliable. Use the Website Evaluation Form. Once you select a source, add it to your Works Cited page!

L earn by reading & taking notes
9. Take notes - quote, paraphrase, or summarize information as you analyze it.
10. Continue to identify subtopics, main ideas, & supporting details & examples.
11. Make sure you have enough information to support your subtopics & answer your essential question.

C ite your sources
12. Keep track of sources as you go.
13. Use MLA format for your Works Cited page & in-text citations.

O rganize & write
14. Organize your notes/note cards & refine your outline.
15. Synthesize information to write/create your rough draft.
16. Revise & edit your rough draft.
17. Check for plagiarism & submit your draft to Turnitin to check for plagiarism. Edit & submit again if necessary, but note that second & successive submissions take 24 hours for results.
18. Revise & refine your final paper/project.
N ote your effectiveness
19. Double check your rubric.
20. Evaluate & reflect on your process by asking, "What could/should I have done differently?"